Insulation: Sheep's Wool

WHAT IS IT?

Every year during spring, wool is sheared from sheep. This wool is used in many industries due to its insulating properties. In construction, wool fibres are mechanically or chemically (with recycled polyester adhesives) bound together into rolls or batts, which can be easily trimmed and installed as insulation.

"Wool fibres produce millions of small air pockets due to their crimped shape, trapping air and slowing heat transfer. This is why wool is a natural insulator, and possesses the ability to keep properties warm in the winter and cool in the summer."¹

MATERIAL LIFE CYCLE

KEY INFORMATION:

Wool is predominantly sourced from British Sheeps in Yorkshire for UK use and manufacture.²
Manufacturers provide: 100% sheeps wool insulation, or 'wool rich' insulation- 75% wool and 25% recycled polyester.²
Wool is naturally renewable and can be composted at end of life (after dismantling).³
Sheeps' wool sequesters carbon as it grows and requires minimal, low energy processing.³
Regulates internal humidity, absorbing excess moisture and releasing it when the air is dry.³ Wool fibres radiate heat when they absorb water, stabilizing internal temperatures.⁴
Will chemically fix VOC's (harmful airborne chemicals) due to its protein structures.⁴
60+ years lifespan.⁴
Good acoustic performance.⁴
Sheep’s wool insulation is very thermally efficient as it has an R-value of between 3.6 and 4.3.³
It is flame retardant.⁵
Easy and efficient installation.⁵

Challenges with using Sheep's Wool

Cost comparison of insulation types

Built Examples using Sheep's Wool

Insulation: Sheep's Wool

Garden Studio ByOthers

FarmED Education Centre

The Nature Place